Umar, Kalsum
(2018)
Persembahan Ritual Kaul Melanau
Dan Hari Moyang Mah Meri :
Manifestasi Kepercayaan
Dan Kosmologi.
PhD thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
This study reveals the manifestations of belief and cosmology amongst the
Melanau natives in Mukah, Sarawak and Mah Meri indigenous people in Carey
Island, Selangor. The beliefs and cosmological manifestations in the ritual ceremony
of Kaul Melanau and Mah Meri Ancestors Day are interpreted in this study from the
point of the ritualistic structure of the two ceremonies. The beliefs and cosmology
are analysed based on both the similar and different points of view. The traditional
society of the Melanau Pagan performs a ritual called Kaul, a prayer to the ‘Ipok’
(Spirits) to thank for the blessings and assistance provided in their life. The Mah
Meri indigenous people also call upon their Moyang for the same reason.
Coincidentally this study begins with the similarity in their aims. The similar and
different values found in both rituals from the point of cosmology and belief
manifestations are analysed based on the four elements of fire, water, earth and air.
These cosmological elements are manifested in the ritualistic offerings of food,
taboos, incantation, Bomoh Poyang and Bapak Kaul, as well as time and space. The
above structure is also considered as performing arts which proves and emphasizes
that both rituals function not only as beliefs but also as a ceremony. This study
undertakes the qualitative approach taking into consideration the primary data
derived from structured and semi-structured interviews, participation and
observation, assisted by the secondary data. The findings of this study would be
helpful to further explore other studies about indigenous communities in Malaysia as
an effort to uplift the various cultures and heritages.
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